Device Details

Overview

This is an inexpensive 3d printed mounting adapter for connecting a commercially available Micro Light Switch to camera-type mounts. This adapter was designed by ATMakers.

Usage

The Micro Light Switch is positioned inside the mounting adapter and affixed with a machine screw. The mounting adapter can then be attached to a tripod or a mounting arm with a camera connection (i.e., 1/4″-20 UNC) to provide convenient switch placement.

 

Build Instructions

A comprehensive set of instructions for creating this style of switch mounting adapter is available at the following link: http://atmakers.org/2017/02/at-switch-adapters/

Bill of Materials

To assemble the mount with the switch, you will need:
1 – 1/4″-20 UNC tee nut, 5/16″ , 7/16″, or 9/16″ long (~$0.30, hardware store or McMaster-Carr)

1 – 3D Printed Mounting Adapter, design file to match length of tee nut (~ 10 g of filament, $0.30)

1 – #4-40 machine screw, 1/4″ or 3/8″ long

 

You will also need the following temporarily to install the tee nut:
1 – 1/4″ Washer
1 – 1/4-20 UNC machine screw or bolt, 3/4″ – 1-1/2″ length

1- Screwdriver, drill or wrench (depending on the type of bolt chosen) to tighten the bolt.

3D Printing

The mounting adapter is best printed with the round flat cylindrical surface down, with supports under the switch support section.  If printing in ABS, printing two simultaneously may provide better results.

Assembling the Mounting Adapter

Clean out any support material from below the switch support section.

To install the tee nut, line up the barbs of the tee nut with the slots on the mount adapter. Put the washer on the 1/4″-20 UNC bolt, and thread it through the adapter and into the tee nut. Tighten the bolt until the tee is flush with the bottom of the adapter. You can then unscrew and remove the bolt and washer.

This video demonstrates how to install the tee-nut: https://youtu.be/_fH-vgqx3uw?t=2235

Attaching Mount To Switch

Slide the Micro Light Switch into the 3d printed camera mount adapter and use the #4-40 machine screw to fix it in place.